Thanksgiving can serve as a time to reflect on everything one is grateful for, both personally and professionally.
We caught up with some of our members who shared what they’re thankful for this year in their companies and lives.
“No matter the situation, there is always something to be grateful for,” says Robyn Schmitz, owner/CEO of High Prairie Outdoors, based in Mission, Kansas. “That mindset helps our organization thrive during both challenging times and easier times. There are so many things to be grateful for.”
Their Teams
Each company mentioned their team as something they are thankful for in their business.
“Without them and their unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional results, we wouldn’t be where we are,” Schmitz says.
Nick Brummel, owner of Brummel Lawn & Landscape LLC, based in Blue Springs, Missouri, says he’s particularly proud of how his team stepped up after his business partner fell ill.
“Once he decided that he couldn’t come back, our guys came together, restructured, and it’s been kind of a headache, but just how everybody’s stuck together and how we’ve been able to do this year has been great,” Brummel says.
Curtis Atkinson, founder and CEO of Sunline Landscapes, based in Bluffdale, Utah, says he’s also proud of how his team handles challenges.
“There’s always challenges every year, but it was so amazing to see our team take on certain challenges head-on and overcome them as a team, to rise above, and to learn and improve,” Atkinson says.
Atkinson adds he’s learned to delegate and trust his team more, which allows him to focus more on the business and spend more time with his family.
Chris di Stefano, president of di Stefano Landscaping, based in Essex Junction, Vermont, says he has an amazing team, including the men and women in the H-2B program who travel so far to be a part of his company.
Guy Artigues, owner of Pleasant Places, Inc., based in Charleston, South Carolina, says he’s particularly grateful seeing his two sons running the company.
“Gilly, my oldest son, has been at the helm for almost 10 years now, and my youngest son, Palmer, has probably got four or five years on his belt,” Artigues says. “They’re taking it to another level. They’re doing everything at a much higher degree than I have in the past.”
Making Changes in the Business
While some may not be fond of change, each of these companies have found making strategic changes incredibly beneficial for their businesses this year.
Artigues says he’s thankful for the systems and efficiencies Gilly has put into place, which has allowed them to take on multi-million dollar jobs.
Brummel says he’s thankful they switched software this year.
“It was a little bit of a difficult journey at the beginning and a lot of hesitation, but since we’ve changed, we’ve seen better margins,” Brummel says. “We’ve seen that our guys are able to communicate better. So just we’re thankful that we went ahead and made that leap.”
Di Stefano says they pushed their financial close up by a week and it has allowed them to better manage by the numbers. They also implemented the EOS level 10 meeting model for their leadership team meetings, which has helped them be more effective.
Atkinson says cleaning up their core structure and org chart this year has provided better accountability for the team, improved certain key financial metrics they track and identified some blind spots.
Schmitz says changes are standard in their organization but two of the most impactful ones this year have been going to a four-day work week for production crews and revamping their sales team in a positive way.
“Since making these changes, our closing rates in sales are quadrupled, and it’s for more profitable work,” Schmitz says. “We have more confidence and peace of mind than we’ve had in years going into our winter season.”
Their Clients
One thing several owners noted they have been guilty of taking for granted is their clients.
“You have these relationships with clients, and you just think they’re always going to be there,” Brummel says. “Sometimes they have to make difficult decisions and make changes based on financial situations.”
Artigues agrees you need to stay in touch with your clients and continue to do the job better than anyone else.
“You have to earn your stripes every single day,” Artigues says. “You’re only as good as your last at bat, your last game, or your last job. You’re not guaranteed the next job.”
Di Stefano says they’ve taken winning for granted in the past.
“My team and I have to adapt, keep sharpening the ax and consistently show up with excellence,” di Stefano says.
Family and Health
On the personal side, members expressed their gratitude for their families, friends and health.
“The older I get, all the cliches that I heard when I was younger, are coming to fruition, and they’re actually pretty spot on,” Artigues says.
Di Stefano says he’s prioritizing time with his two teen daughters before they leave the nest, and Brummel says he appreciates his wife and daughter supporting him as he balances time at work and home.
“First and foremost I am so grateful for my faith and my family!” Atkinson says. “Nothing happens without this part of my life! I’m so grateful for all that the Lord has blessed me with and the wonderful people in my life that love and support me in all that we do!”
Schmitz says she is thankful to have the opportunity to live and work pursuing opportunities.
“All it takes is one appointment or procedure to alter your life of that of your loved ones,” Schmitz says. “Getting up every day isn’t a blessing everyone has.”
Thanksgiving Traditions
Artigues says he enjoys the season in general and the opportunity to gather and share what everyone is thankful for. Similarly, di Stefano enjoys being with family and friends.
Brummel says if there isn’t a snowstorm on the horizon, he appreciates the time off.
“We’ll be able to take that deep breath and spend some time with the family before we transition from the ground side of things to snow,” Brummel says.
Brummel’s company typically hosts a going away party for their H-2B workers around this time as well to thank them for a season of hard work.
Atkinson says he is a big fan of the Thanksgiving food, so they put on their own Thanksgiving dinner for their team.
“It’s held every Wednesday afternoon before Thanksgiving where we have everyone back to our facility and provide a full Thanksgiving dinner for our team,” Atkinson says. “We discuss the year, give out year-end recognitions, give a big farewell to our H-2B team members, and just enjoy each other’s company as a team.”
Schmitz says they will host a harvest party for their team and families. She says it’s all about bringing their team and their loved ones together to celebrate their growth, dedication, and hard work.
